Before You Arrive

Do I need to have tests done before my surgery?

Testing may be requested (EKG, lab work and/or chest x-ray) depending on
your age and physical condition. Your physician will order any required
tests. Please have any tests completed as soon as possible and have the
testing facility fax a copy of the results to Hoag Orthopedic Institute
Surgery Center - Newport Beach at
(949) 630-4998.

What about my medications?

Bring a list of all medications and current dosages that you’re taking.
This list should include prescription and non-prescription medications
as well as herbal or vitamin supplements. If you have a history of heart
or lung trouble, your regular cardiologist or internist may be asked to
give a medical clearance.

If you take medications regularly, you should be told by either your doctor
of the nurse at the Center which medicines to take before surgery. If
you are diabetic, you will need special dosing instructions from your
Primary Care Physician on your insulin or oral medications in preparation
for surgery. Please contact your physician for this information.

What time should I arrive for surgery?

You will be given a time of arrival from a surgery center representative
during the pre-operative call after 1:00 pm the business day before surgery.
We do not provide specific arrival times prior to this due to multiple
changes in the schedule from cancellations, equipment needs, and other factors.

Please arrive no later than one hour before your scheduled procedure, unless
you are given other instructions. Occasionally our schedules run ahead
of time. If you are not at home on the day of surgery, or you are from
out of town, please call us with the telephone number where you can be
reached. We may call and ask you to come in earlier.

Can I eat or drink before my surgery?

You should not eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery,
unless otherwise directed by a nurse at Hoag Orthopedic Institute Surgery
Center - Newport Beach. You may be instructed to take routine medications
(blood pressure and cardiac medications) the morning of surgery. Take
these medications with only a small sip of water.

What if I have a cold or a scratch near the surgical site?

Contact your doctor if there are any changes to your health such as a cold,
fever, chills, abrasions to the surgical site, or other illness.

What should I wear?

Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Do not wear any jewelry or body
piercing. For shoulder surgery patients, bring a front buttoning shirt
that is two to three sizes larger than normal so that you will be comfortably
covered with your shoulder bandage in place. Leave all valuables at home
except your insurance card and form of payment if required.

What should I bring?

Please bring your insurance cards the day of surgery. You will need to
fill out paperwork, so bring your glasses. If you wear hearing aids, please
leave them in. If you have been provided with a Pre-Anesthesia Medical
History Questionnaire please bring the completed questionnaire with you.
If you did not receive a questionnaire you may download one here. If you
have any co-pay, co-insurance or deductible amount, please bring your
appropriate form of payment and driver’s license.

What can I expect the day of surgery?

You will need to check in at the front desk of the surgery center at your
scheduled check-in time. You are required to have a ride home, however
they do not need to wait the entire time, your recovery room nurse can
phone them ½ hour before discharge. If the patient is a minor a
custodial parent must remain in the facility the entire time. Please leave
young children or siblings at home.

Sometime an unavoidable delay occurs if another surgery goes longer than
planned. Your understanding will always be appreciated when there is a delay.